ICE ARENA REFURBISHMENT GATHERS PACE

Community Projects  |  

Internal work to decommission the ice rink has been on-going since the rink closed in October 2016 and work will soon be starting on the main refurbishment and new facilities.

The new work comes as the council releases new artist’s impressions on how the overhauled facility will look when the refurbishment is complete.

The work will be undertaken by Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) a partnership between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd which is driving regeneration across the town including in leisure, housing, community and school buildings.

The refurbishment works include:

•             a new ice rink

•             new barriers

•             new changing rooms and toilets

•             new spectator seating and lighting

•             café

•             climbing wall and clip and climb feature

•             gym

•             extensive landscaping to the Bath Road

Surveys have been carried out throughout November and December on the building structures and specialists were brought in to assess the ice pad – the concrete block and associated cooling system which supports the rink.

Additional surveys on the 30-year-old building are now being started which will help identify any work which needs to be done to the ice pad or main structure during the refurbishment.

Councillor Joginder Bal, commissioner for leisure and environment, said: “The amazing work taking place at the Ice Arena is part of the council’s multi-million pound, once in a lifetime investment in the borough’s leisure facilities – all with the aim of getting more people, more active, more often.

“The plans for the Ice Arena are exciting; building on the popularity of ice skating whilst offering new activities for families and young people alongside brand new ice skating facilities.

“The artist’s impressions show how impressive the Ice Arena will be and just how worthwhile this overhaul and extension will be.”

The work will be undertaken by Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) a partnership between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd which is driving regeneration across the town including in leisure, housing, community and school buildings.

Major construction work is expected to start in April, following surveys and internal stripping of the old facilities.

 

We are planning a phased launch for the new Arena

The Ice Arena will be reopened in a phased way with the ice rink expected to be complete in November 2017 and the new extension in early 2018.

Andy Howell, SUR general manager, said: “We are delighted to be working on our third leisure project after the announcement of the new leisure centre last week and the success of the construction of Arbour Park.

“The Ice Arena will become more of a destination of choice for residents and visitors and with the improved and new facilities will provide a much better experience for everyone; creating a new home for all the existing clubs and other ice users.”

Councillor Bal added: “The Ice Arena has been tired and run down for too long but with this major investment we will be bringing it right up to modern standards, providing an improved outside area, improved atmosphere with quality facilities for everyone – skaters, ice hockey players, spectators visitors and, now, climbers.”